In a bustling city like Naples, it can be difficult to find peace and quiet, especially in the city center.  But the other day while strolling among the crowds of tourists and street vendors, I decided to duck into Santa Chiara, a church/monastery complex I had walked by a few times before.  The few euro I had to pay for entry proved to be more than worth it.  Upon entering the courtyard of this 14th century convent, a feeling of complete peace and serenity washed over me.  I was taken back not only by the beauty of the courtyard (more formally known as the Cloister of Clarisses), but even more so by the peaceful, even euphoric feeling that made it easy to recognize this was a place of spiritual refuge. 

For years I have had a lovehate  relationship with the city of Milano.  In the past I have told clients, if you only have 9 days, thenk skip Milano and get right to the lakes, but now  my sentiment  has changed and that something happened with the preparation for The Worlds Fair of Food- Expo 2015- Feeding the planet which is now   in full swing at the Milano Fair grounds -October 31, 2015 . The city has removed her  dull dusty 1940's gray mask and has replaced it with new look, which is  fresh,  and reflective of her position as #1 ( move over Paris) in art and style.  The city's new identity is encouraged by the numerous  publications which  have been flashing her new look under our nose. You can't read Savour, Architectural Digest, Departures , Travel + Leisure or Conde` Nast Traveler without seeing even  a mention of something  happening that is very Milanese.  

Italy has been know to be a  socially conservative  country given  it is the seat of the Catholic church, and is the ony country remaining  in Europe that does not recognize same sex  marriages or civil unions.  With the church's anti - same sex relationship stance it is no surprise that any change to the current position  regarding man-women, women- women, man-man would take great debate. 

Mediterraneo Interiore - a Hotel and Lifestyle book I am excited to share with you a new book that you can benefit from when deciding on where to go on your next Italian vacation. I came across a wonderful coffee table book which offers a selection of dream hotels that exemplify a perfect viaggio in Italia, titled Mediterraneo Interiore, this 223 page book features properties we all dream about.

Crown jewel of pompeii restored, just in time to keep eu funding. Another key to life in life in the Ancient Roman Empire was unlocked as Italy revealed a recently restored villa in the city of Pompeii. The event marked a rare success in an excavation project that has been continually marred by mismanagement and inefficiency. The “Villa of Mysteries” is one of the crown jewels of the ancient city, a complex that boasts some of the most well preserved and intriguing frescoes in the entire site. The unveiling of the newly restored villa comes at a crucial time for Pompeii, which was at risk of losing its EU funding and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.